FIRE REPORT: Burdoin Fire exceeds 10,000 acres, fires contribute to smoke haze
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 months, 1 week AGO
Fire personnel work on conducting fire operations near Centerville Highway, Wednesday. Using drip torches, they ignited areas with unburned fuels near established fire lines. As the fire spreads up the slope, it consumes much of the fuel and after the burned area is extinguished, there will be a minimal chance of it reigniting and crossing the fire line.
COURTESY PHOTO/INCIWEB
WHITE SALMON – The Burdoin Fire, which ignited on July 18 in the southern border of Washington state, has rapidly consumed more than 11,000 acres and remains only 13% contained as of Thursday afternoon. State officials have called for increased vigilance among residents.
Commissioner of Public Lands, Dave Upthegrove, accompanied by Governor Bob Ferguson, visited White Salmon to receive a situational briefing.
"(Department of Natural Resources) and local crews are working hard to contain this fire, and evacuation orders are still in effect for much of the area," Upthegrove said.
He emphasized the critical role prevention plays in wildfire management. He said nearly 90% of wildfires in Washington are human-caused, meaning all residents can contribute to lessening the fire threat.
"Please don't be the spark that sets off a catastrophe," he said. "Always check weather conditions and burn ban notices."
As of the latest update, evacuation orders remain in place for regions surrounding Klickitat. Level 3 "Go Now!" and Level 2 "Get Set" evacuation levels are affecting many local residents. Additionally, road closures affect Highway 14 and several local access roads.
Governor Ferguson gave praise for the response.
"On behalf of the state of Washington, thank you to the firefighters, volunteers, and everyone coming together from across the state and the country to fight the Burdoin Fire," Ferguson said.
Wildfires are the most prevalent cause of air polition in Washington, according to the Washington Department of Ecology. Fires like the Burdoin Fire and those fires below are contributing to hazy conditions statewide. Air quality in Central Washington remains good, but may present challenges for those who are sensitive to air quality.
Other fires in Washington:
Bear Gulch Fire: 799 acres. 19% contained. Started July 6. Located 10 miles northwest of Hoodsport. The fire is human-caused.
Brewer Canyon Road/Snyder Canyon Fire: 52.3 acres. No containment. Started July 23. Located in Klickitat County. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Hope Fire: 7,880 acres. 66% contained. Started July 8. Located 15 miles north of Kettle Falls. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Lake Spokane Fire: 2,462 acres. 16% contained. Started July 19. Located 12 miles Northwest of Spokane. The fire is under investigation but is likely human-caused.
Laney Fire: 364 acres. No containment. Started July 23. Located in Lincoln County. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Pomas Fire: 3,444 acres. No containment. Started June 13. Located 36 miles northwest of Entiat. The cause of the fire was lightning.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘Show up’
Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust
WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.
Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”
Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.